Skincare Tip: When your dehydrated skin is hungry for moisture, make it a moisture sandwich!

Why do I keep harping on about dry or dehydrated skin, you may wonder. The simple answer is because it is the skin condition that plagues me most, and the one I am trying hard to work with. Dry and dehydrated skin can be a challenge, because it not only feels uncomfortable, it does not look good either. Also, many people are plagued with dehydrated skin – they may just not be as aware of it as I am.

Recently, I went through a bout of such dry and dehydrated skin. I could not quite explain why, but it was uncomfortable – it felt tight, and my skin looked dull. I knew I needed to do something, but what?

My first reaction was to pile on the hydration. On went the hydrating serums I had. I even scoured the internet for more, and seemingly better products! But it wasn’t enough. On went as much moisture as I could fit. Yet, it was not enough. Nothing seemed right.

And then I remembered something I used to do when I was a little more hardworking with my skincare. I call it a “Moisture Sandwich” and it is what ultimately helped me. Truly, the moment you slack off and try to be lazy, it shows 😛

I thought I’d share it because this is a tip that works not only for dry or dehydrated skin, but is a tip that will work for everyone, and stand you in good stead for the future. You just have to be a little hardworking 😛

What is the “Moisture Sandwich”?

What I call the “Moisture Sandwich” is basically layering your skincare. I know we all layer our skincare. You would be, if you were reading my blog, because that’s how you get your serum and creams on.

But the key factor here is – layering your moisture.

So the trick to a “Moisture Sandwich” is to sandwich your skincare creams or oils between layers of moisture. What this does is boost the moisture levels in your skin, and in many ways, even help your skincare work and penetrate better on your skin.

While it does seem an odd propositon – how can putting MORE product on your skin help it penetrate better? – it actually works. We know by now that applying product on damp skin is better than on dry skin. It absorbs better. Think of a sponge. Unless you have no experience using a sponge, or a dishcloth, you’d realise that a damp cloth or sponge absorbs liquid better and more quickly than a dry one.

So, the thin layers of moisture that you apply in between your product helps facilitate this process. Some of you may already spritz a facial mist as the first step after cleansing or toning. Now, repeat that process after each step of your skincare.

How do you do a “Moisture Sandwich”?

Best part of this tip? You don’t actually need any other product than what you already own and are using! The trick really, is to use more of it.

So, here’s how I do the “Moisture Sandwich” method.

After cleansing (and after using an acid toner, if you are) I spritz a facial mist on my skin. This dampens the skin and adds a layer of moisture and hydration. You can use your regular hydrating toner or essence – 1-2 drops. Most of us already do this step.

If I’m using a serum, I then apply a serum on my damp skin and massage it in.

Here’s where the sandwich and magic happens – Spritz another round of facial mist on your skin. In the alternative, put a few drops of hydrating lotion or essence and pat it into your skin. Just 1-2 drops again.

I then apply 1-2 drops of facial oil and massage it into the damp skin. (This is optional, you can go straight to Step 6)

Again, I repeat the mist/essence process. Pat in the moisture.

I then seal off with a moisturiser or balm.

Basically, I apply a facial mist or hydrating essence AFTER EVERY STEP OF PRODUCT. For some reason, those extra layers of mist/essence really help with boosting my skin’s hydration and moisture levels. Not only that, my product seems to work better as well, and absorb better into my skin.

It isn’t about what you use, it is all about how you use it.

The trick here is not about using layers of skincare, it is about using THIN layers of skincare, sandwiched with moisture. The moisture barely adds any weight to your routine, but it does so much behind the scenes. I have learnt over time, that there is no benefit to piling product on the skin. While there is the temptation to use more because it will be more beneficial, it is counter-productive here.

With skincare, I’ve not only realised that less at one go, can be better, but you have to invest a little MORE time in it. While this “Moisture Sandwich” method will not take very long, it does add 1-2 extra steps in your skincare routine. For some, this is too long. But know that nothing good comes without a lot of hard work, and this is true for skincare as well 🙂

Have you tried this “moisture sandwich” method of applying skincare?

Do let me know if you try this. It’s something I’ve talked about to people over the years but never thought about putting it in writing. But here it is! 🙂

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About Paris B

Paris B is a 40-something beauty and skincare enthusiast with a practical and very critical view of beauty products and the world of beauty. Her mission on My Women Stuff is to deliver clear, honest reviews and facilitate discussions about beauty trends and life, tempered with a healthy dose of humour. Let the buyer's remorse be ours not yours! When not testing the newest skincare creams and lotions, or playing with makeup, find her testing her culinary skills in the kitchen at Chez PB. Read more about us here or leave a comment below or connect with us on social media at Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

Great minds think alike. I completely agree with you. Misting or a couple of drops of essence between layers is truly the answer. I was instructed to apply products to damp skin to facilitate absorption by my dermatologist. I don’t find it takes that much time and the pay off is so worth it. Thank you for another wonderful post.

High 5 Jan! 😀 Yes I do think many people forget the importance of applying product to damp skin. It always feels so much better, and absorbs better and this moisture sandwich method certainly helps skin look better too!

I have been doing the layering of watery essence in between the serum because some serum can be too concentrated, viscous and it got dragged on my skin when massaging. The same thing I will do when applying face cream as well.

My timing is impeccable as always! Haha 😀 Glad you found this helpful Sue and I hope the method works for you too! No need to buy anything new. I’m sure you already have a hydrating essence/lotion/mist in your arsenal 😀 Do let me know if it works (or didn’t!)

I also have the same problem, always feel dehydrated. Since, I do not have any hydrating serum on hand, i also apply the sandwich method. Cleanser- acid toner- mist-hydrating toner- mist-serum-clinique moisture surge 72 hours (my hydrating serum out of stock, and the moisturizer seem like not hydrating enough if apply alone)-mist- moisturizer mix with oil

It definitely take more time, however I really can see my skin is better than before. And I don’t have the rush to get a good hydrating serum.

Yes I find the Clinique Moisture Surge too light for me used alone as well. I sometimes like thinking of it as a makeup primer, so I put it over everything else, but before my makeup. Seems to help it go on better 🙂

I think our dehydrated skin can be to do with weather and lifestyle. The heat from the sun can dry and dehydrate the skin, and then when we hide in air-conditioned rooms, that dehydrates the skin too. Happy to know you found a technique that works for you 🙂 If you have dry skin, I have found that a drop or two of facial oil in the day time helps my skin stay and feel better too for longer. At night, I use more 🙂

Ah yes, when it’s hot, it can feel too much. But work with your skin anyway. Perhaps thin layers of light products (skipping the oil if it feels too heavy) because the Summer sun can be very dehydrating too! 🙂

Thanks for the sharing! I also feel that dehydration is an issue that can never resolve, no matter how much serum, essence and cream I have put on. Can I know what facial mist you are using? Does this method work with simple water mist such as uriage facial mist?

Indeed, dehydration is an on-going battle! But I swear that this moisture sandwich method has done so much wonderful things for my skin! I can actually get through a whole day without my face feeling dry anymore! I presently use any facial mist, but I prefer one that has some hydrating properties. For this purpose, I won’t use just pure thermal water because I never had good results from them as I didn’t find that they delivered any long term benefits for my skin. Nothing to stop you trying though!

You can try some of the mists I’ve shared in this post. But if you really want more oomph, I’d suggest using a lightweight hydrating essence/lotion water in your “sandwich”. It delivers more moisture and hydration and delivers a much better result. I presently sandwich with the Skin Creamery Skin Tonic or SK-II Facial Treatment Essence. My mist is either Caudalie Grape Water, Pyunkang Yul Mist Toner (I’m finishing it up), Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist or Melvita Rose Floral Water.

I’m afraid I haven’t heard of Root Remedies Anna, but in the interest of research I looked it up. I ilke their aesthetics. Unfortunately, I do prefer a blended oil, as opposed to a single oil. But I have to say it does look interesting 🙂

Funny, I remember when I got my first face mist as a gift with purchase. I looked at it long and hard and I simply had no idea how to use it. So I put it in my stack and forgot about it. A couple of months later I read an article about hydration, and remembered the face mist.
Fast forward to nowadays: I absolutely love face mists, I go through them like nobody’s business. And yes, I use them in between every layer. That’s one of the secrets which helped my skin looking brilliant last winter (a humidifier also helped a lot – in Switzerland, the air is so dry in the winter, and heating makes things worse…).
Personally, I don’t think you have to spend too much money on them. I like the ones by Pixi: Vitamin mist in the summer, Glow mist in the winter.

I used to feel that way you do about face mists Maja 😀 But now, I can’t do without one in my routine haha! 😀 That said you are absolutely right about not having to spend too much on them. I still haven’t tried the Pixi one, but I do like Melvita’s floral waters. They’re very affordable in Europe (not here unfortunately) and a treat for the skin! Also, I can imagine that your skin would have loved the layering process in winter! This has quite literally transformed my skin and I live in the tropics! 😀